Don't jump to conclusions over teen crash, urge parents

THE family of a 16-year-old girl who was seriously injured in a head-on road crash which left three other teenagers dead has asked people "not to jump to conclusions" about the collision.

The parents of Chloe Newby made the appeal as they urged witnesses to contact the police.

The smash happened on Monday just outside Mexborough, South Yorkshire, when a Vauxhall Corsa crashed into a Volkswagen Golf.

Best friends Jonathan Scott, 17, from Conisbrough, South Yorkshire, and Robert Ryan Tepper, also 17, from Mexborough, were in the front of the Corsa and died as a result of the crash, South Yorkshire Police have said.

A 16-year-old girl who was in the back of the Corsa was also killed. She has not been named by police.

Chloe was also on the back seat.

A 19-year-old and an 18-year-old, who were driving other cars on the road at the time, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but later bailed pending further inquiries.

Chloe's family statement, which was issued through South Yorkshire Police, was made amid local speculation about what the cars involved were all doing.

Officers have said the collision happened at around 8pm when the Corsa was overtaking a silver Fiat Punto on Adwick Road, near the junction with Crow Tree Lane.

A Vauxhall Astra had just overtaken the Fiat successfully and the Corsa then tried overtaking the Fiat.

A spokesman said the Corsa collided head-on with a Volkswagen Golf travelling in the opposite direction.

The Newby family statement said: "Chloe was a rear seat passenger in a Vauxhall Corsa which was involved in a collision.

"She is being treated at Doncaster Royal Infirmary where her condition is described as stable but critical.

"Chloe is a student at Mexborough School Specialist Science College where she is studying for her A-levels.

"She has had previous involvement with Mexborough Youth Club where she is well known and liked.

"We would ask for people not to jump to conclusions about the incident and to assist the police with all enquiries, passing any information to South Yorkshire Police on 0114 2202020.

"We would like to thank all staff at Doncaster Royal Infirmary who have been brilliant in their care of Chloe and professional throughout.

"Our hearts and minds are with the families of the deceased."

A large number of tributes have been left at the scene of the crash on Adwick Road, travelling out of Mexborough towards Adwick-upon-Dearne.

Today, the mother of one of the teenagers who died said she did not want anyone blamed.

Robert Tepper's mother Tracey told the Sheffield Star: "It could have been any of them driving - they were best friends, they died together and I do not want anyone blamed for what happened.

"It was a just tragic accident."

Jonathan Scott's sister Louise told the paper: "I can't believe how many lives he touched and I think he would be shocked at how popular he was."